Obama’s Free Ride?
At a press availability following a town hall meeting in Kingstree, South Carolina, Senator Barack Obama took questions from his traveling press corps – not exactly a regular occurrence on the Obama bus. “I know that during the scramble on the campaign trail, we don’t always have a chance to do as much Q&A as you guys would like,” Obama noted at the start of the news conference. Obama spoke briefly about the economic stimulus agreement between Republicans and Democrats and spoke about the situation in Kenya before opening it up to questions.
The candidate took questions for just under twenty minutes, including the multiple interruptions from the PA system in the high school where Obama spoke. At one point Obama joked, “I think I’m getting called to the principal’s office.”
During the avail, a reporter, referring to past comments made by former president Bill Clinton, wondered if Obama thought he was was getting a “free ride” from the press. Here’s his answer:
Free ride or not, most of the questions Obama got today were regarding the Clintons. When asked if he thought he had underestimated the “Clinton Machine,” Obama said no. “The Clinton operation is a tough, well-honed political machine built up over the course of 20 years. We have always been the underdogs in this campaign; we have always been the outsiders, the insurgent campaign. People have forgotten that I think. ”
A reporter from the New York Times questioned what he meant when he said in last week’s debate that he felt like he was running against both Clintons, Obama answered, “Let me sort of dispose of the, the whole issue of President Clinton. I have said this repeatedly, that he is entirely justified in wanting to promote his wife’s candidacy. I have no problem with that whatsoever. He can be as vigorous an advocate on behalf of her as he would like. The only thing I’ve been concerned about is when he makes misstatements about my record. That’s what I’m seeking to correct. And I do hold the Clinton campaign, as a whole, accountable for statements that are made by such high-profile surrogates as the candidate’s husband, who also happens to be the former President of the United States of America. I don’t think you can distance yourself from comments that he made.”
And after Obama answered what was deemed as Communications Director Robert Gibbs’ last question, someone yelled out, “Do you think Bill Clinton is coming unglued?”
Obama kept walking - smiled, gestured to Gibbs, and said, “I think he said last question.”
Tags: Bill Clinton, free ride, hillary clinton, media, obama, press
Share
20 minutes? Americans are only worth 20 minutes?
Of course he’s getting a free ride. Any time he is questioned on the trail, all he has to do is say “You’re distorting my record” and the press backs him up without question. He he pandered to stereotypes and the press shrugged and laughed. He’s insulted a past president, and the press nodded in agreement.
No one asks him about previous bad actions. No one questions him about his lack of plans. When he said that he would surround himself with people and let them run the country, the press didn’t bother to try to ask why he needs them at all.
Yet we still have stories that mention Clinton becoming emotional, and the stories mock her for it. Then, in the same breath, they say that she’s not emotional enough. They question if she is truthful while never giving her the chance to be.
The press is obsessed with the story of Obama coming from nowhere and railroading to the White House. In general, they’ve done all they can to insure that the story doesn’t change. Obama wins a primary in 1 hour, it took the press over 5 to call for Clinton. After all, that doesn’t fit the story of an upstart, new black man overcoming all adversity to destroy the Bush establishment.
Absolutely, Obama is getting a free ride by the press — because if they actually look at his campaign, the story begins to unravel and we are left with an unexciting presidential race where Clinton’s experience sweeps into the Oval Office. That’s not exciting. That doesn’t make readers rush to the TV, computer, or news stands to see who won.
If he wasn’t being given a free ride, Clinton’s words would not constantly be perverted beyond belief to make her the bad establishment candidate. You wouldn’t see story after story calling Clinton various names. You wouldn’t see stories saying “Clintons Bully Obama” and the story following “Obama Remains Above the Fighting”.
Just look at the wise candidates that have been elbowed out for the press’ story of Obama overcoming all, then tell me that Obama isn’t getting a free ride. Of course he is.
The press backs him up because, usually, his opponents are distorting his record. This has been fact-checked and verified, extensively, by any number of news sources.
I think he has more integrity than the typical politician and that’s what makes him different. Just look at his answers. I think it would be the best thing for this country to have a president like Obama.
It is so sad to see how much hatered and fear runs our lives. I wonder are we as a human race willing to let go of the past and start caring for our kids future? Can we be the country that the rest of the world use to look up to?
A.M. Noel
Jack — So 100,000 debates and continuous 24-hour coverage isn’t enough for you? You want Barack Obama to be available to you for questions on demand? Obama — like all the top-tier candidates — are being put through the wringer. Nobody is getting a free ride.
Poor Bill Clinton. He’s getting a little frustrated. He wants to be President again but his wife (and the Constitution) are standing in the way. Somebody send him an intern to help him feel better.
egc52556
Iowa
I absolutely agree with Jack’s comments on the media. The media has never ever asked Obama one single tough question on his missing records (no records on his meetings with anybody) as an IL senator, on his decision to vote “present” 135 times as an IL senator, his alleged ties to the slumlord indicted in IL, etc. If that is not considered a free ride, what is a free ride? In this country even Oprah has to deal with bad press once in a while. Obama has not. Not even once. Clintons …… way too many that I lost count.
Why don’t the members of the press admit that they are easy on Obama. Are the only questions you ask him are what he thinks about the Clinton’s?
Why is it that Obama makes fewer comments and commitments on his positions than the rest of the canidates?
Guess that is because of the press and thier selective questions and biased reporting.
Someone should tell Bill Clinton to “put some ice on that.”
“He’s insulted a past president, and the press nodded in agreement”
Yeah, they did nod. Because the past president lied and distorted facts and deserved to be called out for it.
He is not getting a free ride. He is just cleaner than HRC.
Anything that Hillary accuses Obama for is really her problem. Obama and the press need to call her out on that. She keeps telling everyone her weaknesses.
no this is just one of then fox bias reports.fox only say’s what they want people to here. they also hold back news.nothing all day has been said on fox about report the bush addminastration 935 false statments on iraq after 2001.so what ever is said or read on fox does not have 100% credabilty.
I think you should read Shelby Steele’s book, it sums up the non committal better than the rest of you.
I am glad that once again a black American feels confident in the racial progress of his country and believes that his campaign is viable. But let’s get past the feeling good about that part and stare reality in the eyes! Barrack Hussein Obama doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of actually delivering the Presidency to Democrats this time around! If it weren’t for his lack of experience (thanks, we are just now looking forward to getting rid of our current on-the-job-training President), 2008 is not a really good time for a man with an Islamic middle name and a last name that reminds us of a famous terrorist. As much as the guy can motivate new voters, this is a candidate who will doom his party’s hope of winning the White House in 2008. It is so unpleasantly obvious, that I have to say: Democrats are completely delusional on this topic.
I’d like to feel that my vote for Obama is a vote well cast, but in 2008 it is a doomed vote.
The ticket for winning? Clinton and Edwards.
“Anything that Hillary accuses Obama for is really her problem. Obama and the press need to call her out on that. She keeps telling everyone her weaknesses.”
-Ain’t that the truth.
Funny how Obama is getting a “free ride” yet nobody mentions the Clintons as getting a free ride. Sheesh President Clinton has the biggest megaphone of all yet Obama is getting a free ride. You cannot really think he is getting a free ride without being out of touch. Personally I like Ron Paul but I can tell you he is the least likely candidate to be accused of having a free ride. So far the media outlets have not mentioned how is raising more $$$$ than any other republican candidate and has been beating Rudy, Mitt and McCain in many polls nto to mention placing ahead of these guys but he does not get any media attention.
GO Obama
GO RP
Anybody but the establishment.
Free ride? If anyone is getting a free ride, it is Hillary Clinton. Her entire political career has been a free ride. The idea that she touts herself as experienced is ludicrous. She walked into the Senate because she slept with the president. Together they presume that Americans are stupid enough to treat her as a virtual incumbent.
Why no one asked about Obama’s silly answer about his vote on credit card’s interest rate cap? He though it’s too high so he voted against it? give me a break! He must have thought people are really really stupid to believe him.
Free ride, of course..
NPR.org recently had a little bit of truth-telling analysis on their site. I am sure it can still be found at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18316965
to Ilsa
Sounds like you really envy Hillary for she can sleep with a president.
my deep sympathy for you not being able to do that and having a free ride as well.
St. Obama !! LOL The guy is nothing but smoke! Now the press has caught on..
Obama is a corrupt & dirty politician. It is time for Obama to come clean his
racial campain and his wongdoings with his slum landlord Tony!!
Steve and Ilsa, please open your eyes. How much coverage have you seen of the press telling Obama to cut out the attacks? None. And yes, he has attacked despite what the shrills here will tell you.
Yet, just today you saw ANOTHER story where the press called Clinton’s use of the Reagan quote as out of line, wrong, and a lie.
Even then, both of you have the hilarious stupidity to pretend that it is Clinton getting the free ride? Did you not pay attention for two weeks when she was mocked for getting emotional once? There are people STILL saying she cries for votes.
Then you have people much like yourself who waddle around the internet and call Clinton whatever mean name you can think of, then pretend that she’s got the free ride? You’re both pathologically delusional if you think this is true.
As for Bill, you should actually consider reading any number of news articles in which people are saying Bill is out of line and should step back, stop, and apologize for having an opinion. News stories are out calling the two bullies, and THEY’RE getting the free ride?
Stop trying to change reality into fantasy. Some things shouldn’t be changed, despite how hard Obama may try. The things are called facts, and the fact is that the press has allowed Obama to remain unvetted for his numerous shady dealings. It’s time to take off the gloves and actually critically analyze Obama’s tripe. If you actually remove the rose-tinted shades, he’s worse than Clinton can ever dream of being.
20 minutes of Obama’s time is a lot more than 0 minutes of Senator Clinton’s time.
He believes (as do I) that change starts at the bottom (through the people) and works it’s way up to the top (to the executive/legislature/judicial branches).
Obama’s campagin clearly reflects that he is willing, ready, and able to engage in a productive dialogue with the American people, rather than the lobboyists and the political machines which have teared our nation apart.
VOTE FOR CHANGE: OBAMA (or Edwards for that matter) or simply: DON’T VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON.
Listen Jack,
you dont need the press to tell you what to think … the truth is the truth. Listen to what he has consistently said and you decide for yourself if his statement are not being distorted. One can cut and past togather parts of statements about what you have said and make you out to be a terrorist. The press are smart enough not to fall for Bill Clinton and his lies. I don’t know why anyone would believe Bill C at this stage in the game. Hit job? Are you kidding me? Obama gets what he deserves and so far he deserves the good press he is getting.
How can the liberal press endorse this junior Senator from Illinois to be the next US President?
He has only been a state legislator and then a US Senator for a couple of years. He has no experince governing anthing!
This man is no FDR or JFK, he has paid no dues! Although he is a fine orator, and maybe, just maybe in 8 - 10 years he’ll have the proper credentials for the Presidency. But not now!!!
If you want to elect a Democrats, Look no farther than Ms. Hilliary…support Ms. Clinton and get Bill back for another term or two. Two for the price of one! She has some great ideas!
If it’s a Republican you desire, their is a full house of Qualified Canidates. A Long time Senator
and war hero, a couple of former state governers, and a former mayor of NYC.
All have more experience and are more qualified to run the country than Obama.
Obama said oops on 6 state Senate votes
He pushed the wrong button, he asserted at the time. Two of the admitted flubs were on hotly contested issues.
By Peter Wallsten
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 24, 2008
Barack Obama angered fellow Democrats in the Illinois Senate when he voted to strip millions of dollars from a child welfare office on Chicago’s West Side. But Obama had a ready explanation: He goofed.
“I was not aware that I had voted no,” he said that day in June 2002, asking that the record be changed to reflect that he “intended to vote yes.”
That was not the only misfire for the former civil rights attorney first elected to the state Senate in 1996. During his eight years in state office, Obama cast more than 4,000 votes. Of those, according to transcripts of the proceedings in Springfield, he hit the wrong button at least six times.
The rules allow state lawmakers to clear up a mishap if they suffered from a momentary case of stumbly fingers or a lapse in attention. Correcting the record is common practice in the Illinois Legislature, where lawmakers routinely cast numerous votes in a hurry.
But some lawmakers say the practice also offers a relatively painless way to placate both sides of a difficult issue. Even if a lawmaker admits an error, the actual vote stands and the official record merely shows the senator’s “intent.”
No one has accused Obama, now a U.S. senator and a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, of changing votes to play both sides, and an Obama spokesman called that idea “absurd.”
But Obama has come under fire from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina for his frequent use of another oddity of Illinois politics: voting “present” rather than casting up-or-down votes on controversial measures.
“It is very difficult having a straight-up debate with you, because you never take responsibility for any vote, and that has been a pattern,” Clinton told him in a debate Monday.
Tommy Vietor, an Obama spokesman, said the mistaken votes were not meaningful. “In Illinois, legislators often have just a few seconds to cast a vote, so after thousands of votes they’re bound to make a few mistakes,” he said. Referring to Clinton’s vote to authorize the war in Iraq and her support for a bankruptcy measure, Vietor added, “The real problem is when Democrats vote like Republicans.”
Four of Obama’s admitted flubs drew little controversy.
On March 19, 1997, he announced he had fumbled an election-reform vote the day before, on a measure that passed 51 to 6: “I was trying to vote yes on this, and I was recorded as a no,” he said. The next day, he acknowledged voting “present” on a key telecommunications vote.
He stood on March 11, 1999, to take back his vote against legislation to end good-behavior credits for certain felons in county jails. “I pressed the wrong button on that,” he said.
Obama was the lone dissenter on Feb. 24, 2000, against 57 yeas for a ban on human cloning. “I pressed the wrong button by accident,” he said.
But two of Obama’s bumbles came on more-sensitive topics. On Nov. 14, 1997, he backed legislation to permit riverboat casinos to operate even when the boats were dockside.
The measure, pushed by the gambling industry and fought by church groups whose support Obama was seeking, passed with two “yeas” to spare — including Obama’s. Moments after its passage he rose to say, “I’d like to be recorded as a no vote,” explaining that he had mistakenly voted for it.
Obama would later develop a reputation as a critic of the gambling industry, and he voted against a similar measure two years later. But he was clearly confused about how to handle the issue at the time of his first vote, telling a church group on a 1998 campaign questionnaire that he was “undecided” about whether he backed an expansion of riverboat gambling. And, months earlier, he had voted in favor of a version of the bill.
The senator who led the opposition to the gambling measure, Republican Todd Sieben, said he took Obama at his word that the initial vote was an error. But Sieben also said the thin margin of victory was a sign that perhaps there was more to the vote than met the eye. “He was obviously paying attention to this vote. It was a major, major issue in the state, and it was a long debate,” Sieben said. “The inadvertent ‘Oops, I missed the switch’ — I’d be kind of skeptical of that.”
On June 11, 2002, Obama’s vote sparked a confrontation after he joined Republicans to block Democrats trying to override a veto by GOP Gov. George Ryan of a $2-million allotment for the west Chicago child welfare office.
Shortly afterward, Obama chastised Republicans for their “sanctimony” in claiming that only they had the mettle to make tough choices in a tight budget year. And he called for “responsible budgeting.”
A fellow Democrat suddenly seethed with anger. “You got a lot of nerve to talk about being responsible,” said Sen. Rickey Hendon, accusing Obama of voting to close the child welfare office.
Obama replied right away. “I understand Sen. Hendon’s anger. . . . I was not aware that I had voted no on that last — last piece of legislation,” he said.
Obama asked that the record reflect that he meant to vote yes. Then he requested that Hendon “ask me about a vote before he names me on the floor.”
Hendon declined to discuss the episode. “I try to block out unpleasant memories,” said Hendon, who has endorsed Obama. “If I tried really hard to remember it, I probably could, but I’m not going to try hard because I’m supporting the senator all the way.”
Hendon said “it happens” that senators press the wrong button. But he was quick to add: “I’ve never done it.”
Obama’s running a clean campaign. If you get a free ride for doing so, then boy howdy, there’s something going right in this world.
A democrat being defended at Fox? What is the temperature in hell right now? Then again I have heard a few Republicans say they might vote for Obama, so I guess some are hoping Hillary get the nod so they stand a better chance.
Funny that Bill Clinton who raped Juannita Broaddrick is complaining about Free Rides. There are so many things that the press has not tried hard enough to question Bill Clinton on… And he knows it… I bet he laughs about the press everytime he goes to bed at night.
see Citizen Kane - “They will think what Itelll them to think!” Most of the public do no more analysis of issues and candidates than a herd of cattle. There is a good reason why the founding fathers put an electoral college in place. Calls to get rid of it will leave us with a tyranny of the masses. Remember the people of Moscow begging to have communism back?
Obama has answered questions about race, foriegn policy, race, domestic policy, race,
business dealings, race, education, race, experience, race, Clintons, and race.
Obama has been pretty easy on the Clintons, he merely wants them to stop lying.
But that’s a tall order for Bill and Sir Edmund Hillary Clinton. Yes she even lied about her name.
You know the Republicans are poised and ready to throw more than one book at the Clintons.
Obama is definately treated with kid gloves. I am amazed how he takes credit for opposing the war in Iraq when in fact he never had to give an up/down vote for the war. The fact remains, much of what he takes credit for is nothing more than words he has spoken. He never can speak of actual actions he has taken to handle economic crisis, to negotiate trade treaties with foreign nations, resolve conflicts with foreign powers or plan and submit a budget.
I want o know what has he done in a role as a political leader but the press never pushes him on his record. Also, I find it amazing that he screams how he is the canidate of change and how he will bring a new voice to Washington but he is accepting all the endorsments of the old Democratic gaurd (aka John Kerry) who he supposedly thinks is the problem.
I agree with Jack. The press has decided what the story is going to be and is in full force to make their story the reality.
He has obviously NOT gotten a free ride. I’ve been watching all the media outlets and it is false to conclude that they’ve been easy on him. Hillary’s campaign has taken things he’s said and completely distorted their meaning and context. Just like that short lived radio campaign regarding a comment he made from the debate.
I’m embarrassed to see how the Clinton’s have approached this campaign especially as it’s gotten more competitive.
Obama has inspired many people to participate in our country’s primaries who had otherwise given up. They finally have a candidate they can believe in! I think everyone should see this as a wonderful thing. The more who participate, the more representative our government will be. That’s the goal right?
The government should represent all citizens and not just the wealthiest %10 percent, right?
Stan, I have considered what Obama has to say by myself. That is why I cannot, in any good conscious, approve of him. He’s tripe, illogical and for the ignorant masses who flunked 5th grade Civics. He’s not a good man, he’s not an honest person, and he’s not going to change the face of politics because he IS a man of politics.
He is doing nothing but building up your insecurities without an ounce of plan as to deliver. He wants to win, be known as the first, and then sit on his butt for 4 years while his cabinet tells him what to do. We do not need this when we’re in such a terrible place. We need a president who will work with people, but a president who will defer everything to his advisers. We need a president on the front lines, not hiding behind an army of staff members. We’ve had that for the past 8 years.
We’ve had the guy that everyone could have beers with. We’ve had the nice guy that was more likable on camera. We’ve had the more effective, personable speaker for 8 years. We’ve had speech writers and failed cabinet members running the country.
You want more of that. I want REAL change. A change of policy from a head of state that knows our country, not a change of suits from a figurehead that has no idea what to do.
So you can vote for 4 more years of brainless, inexperienced Prom Kings. I’d rather have a real leader, not just someone who looks good on TV and gives a nice speech.
Mr OKelly’s points are excellent - and non-partisan. I love to hear Barack speak. So??
I agree with Ilsa that Hillary’s entire political career has been a free ride, but not because she slept with the president. It’s because her husband, the president, was sleeping with other women.
“…the insurgent campaign.”
We always knew that B. Hussein Obama was part of some insurgnecy.
davidc says, “Obama is a corrupt & dirty politician. It is time for Obama to come clean his racial campaign and his wongdoings with his slum landlord Tony!!”
Hillary, is that you? Right after New Hampshire (a Thursday), all you heard from the Clinton Campaign was “black” this and “black” that. It started by trying to demoralize young voters by saying they want an “imaginary hip black person to be their imaginary friend” and young people vote Obama because they don’t have “social needs” and he’s “cool.” and ended the next day with Hillary saying that Dr. King couldn’t do it. It was LBJ. And even though Obama didn’t take the “race bate” she had in mind as a last resort to say he did. She said by Monday that Obama was “trying to interject race into the debate.” The shame. Oh waut, there is no shame with the Clintons. My biggest problem with Hillary is she hates this country. She has always hated it even in college.
leave it Fox to bring up another non-issue. Try real journalism for a change, you may actually gain some credibility.
L.Dean, allow me to introduce you to the difference between Hillary Clinton and the press.
Hillary Clinton, one woman running for President.
The Press, a large conglomerate of people who write and publish news stories.
Seeing the difference, or do you still think that Clinton attacking Obama is also equal to the press questioning Obama’s stances? I can draw a diagram if you need it.
Bill is just cranky because he is not getting any: Mrs is away campaigning and there are no interns around when you need them.
bob, you sure are overly concerned with Bill’s sex life. Is there something you want to tell us? We’ll even say it’s a Fox News Exclusive!
Jack - why are you even saying stuff like: “When he said that he would surround himself with people and let them run the country, the press didn’t bother to try to ask why he needs them at all.”
If Hillary and Bill think that they are all that is needed to run a country - well god help us! That’s pretty darn arrogant. Are they going to dismiss the Senate and House? Have no secretary of state?
All Obama was saying was that he would use good judgment in the people who would be around him - running the country with him. No one - not even Hillary - can run the USA by themselves.
“My biggest problem with Hillary is she hates this country. She has always hated it even in college.”
—
I agree. Why would you put someone who hates this country as president. This is going to be bad. Out of the millions of people who live here Hillary should not be a top choice for President. She might be the worst person you could pick out of everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, you could have as president.
Dear Jack,
Internet message boards are not strong place to express your extreme displeasure with Senator Obama’s campaign. There are several more positice actions you can take such as contacting your state or national democratic committee or start locally with your state reps or senators. These individuals represent you and if your words hold any meaning then I suggest you take action to resolve them.
By your own admission the “press backs him up without question.” This would infer that the press’ backing is something valuable to do with the presidential nomination process. Don’t you think that Bill and Hillary Clinton are very aware of this fact? If they did had the media’s backing you wouldn’t hear anything about how unfairly Obama or Edwards are being treated. It is politics as usual and an informed voter would know this.
You write “He’s insulted a past president, and the press nodded in agreement.” Why can’t he (Obama) “insult a past president. We live in America, remember? I hope you are not implying that since he was a past president he should never be disagreed upon. Sound mighty oligarchy like. (that is a society ruled by a small select few e.i. Bush, Clinton, Bush..???)
I hope you don’t think that it is taboo to question the political opinion of an ex-president (who just happens to have a wife running for president nomination). I mean, Michele Obama is in the same position as Bill Clinton. Does the media hang on every breathe she takes? no.
It would be niave to say that the Clinton’s were not aware that Bill has a long reputation of giving valuable political insight and that his opinions matter. “hey I was president, so I can tell you what you need to be president…and well Hillary Clinton is the person. it is just coincidental that she is my wife” I don’t think so Billy Boy. It undermine the politic process that is set up for a reason. that we all have equal and far representation. If you want Bill back in office you need to convince you senator and reps to change the Bill of Rights.
But that won’t happen… it is to difficult ..it is much easier to elect his wife.
Seasoned voters know that politics eminates life. Politics evens come to an end and it is sometimes never fair for everyone, BUT you always do the best you can.
Anyone that criticises Obama for voting “present” while in the Illinois state house really doesn’t understand Illinois politics in Springfield. Has anyone taken a good look at how many “present” votes were cast by others during the same 8-year time frame? Obama’s total was 129 by the way, not the 135 given by the Clinton campaign. His legal work for a “slum lord” is largely a myth — his legal firm did 5 hours of work for community groups that partnered with Rezko’s development group.
Wherever Obama campaigns, his ratings go up. Go see Hillary Clinton speak live and Barack (one “r”, please) Obama speak live and study their positions and true history. Then make up your own mind.
I am unconvinced that Mrs. Clinton will be able to work in any bi-partisan way to create any real change in Washington. I hold out some hope that Mr. Obama may be able to.
Jack,
We talk about experience like having legacy idea make them right. It is exactly because of the place we are in that makes Obama appealing to me. He is the only one in the field who has demonstrated the ability to unite people across differences around common cause. There is no monopoly on intelligence and we need the collective brain power of the people to get us out of the mess we are in. George Bush has arguably the smartest cabinet known to man, the difference it that they stopped serving the people and focusing on their respective agendas. And because Georgy boy was not very smart, we was not able to tell wrong from right. The diff with Obama is that he is not only intelligent; he is willing to listen to the people.
Like Bob Marley said, you can’t be smarter that all the people all the time …
Thanks for your kind words Jack.
I don’t think Obama has gotten a free ride. I watched the debate and read the news. You can draw all the diagrams you want.
The people I know who support Obama are all very educated. They are active in their communities and care about the future of this country. So I would say that the previous assertions you made are wrong.
Clinton would run the country with the help of others. Obama would have others run it and he would occasionally check in. Obama’s style of management, he said, was like a COO of a company — the same thing George W. Bush said before he was elected. He would run the country like a company, not like a country.
That is the difference between Clinton and Obama. She’s a leader of a country, Obama is the head of a company that lets everyone else do it. I’ll pass on that, thank you.
We have a Clinto-centric media.
The same media virtually anointed Hillary queen. A few months ago.
They didn’t question her experience when she accused Obama of being naive and irresponsible.
They gave her all the sympathy she needed to win New Hampshire.
They failed show Obama’s classy response to her emotional moment.
NEW LONDON, N.H. — Obama said the campaigning was a “grind” when asked his reaction to hearing that Hillary Clinton had choked up at a campaign event earlier today.
“I didn’t see what happened. I know this process is a grind. So that’s not something I care to comment on,” he told reporters who threw questions at him, as he bought tea for his throat and cookies and cupcakes for the press corps.
On whether Hillary Clinton should drop out of the race, he said, “We’ve had one caucus. This would be one primary. Right now I’m just focused on tomorrow. We’ve got to get out our voters; it would be such a shame after seeing the great turnout in Iowa if we weren’t working as hard as we could to make sure that story continues.”
You did here condescening remarks from Edwards and other men.
But nothing from Obama. Now if he said something mean spirited about her.
The media also has a policy of benign neglect when Barack Obama speaks out on substantive
issues, like predatory lending which he first submitted legislation on over two years ago.
Should have paid atttention.
economics, or energy policy, foreign policy regarding Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, and Israel,
If Clinton’s name is not in the story you won’t here about it.
Just heard were the Clintons pulled that radio ad lying about Obama.
People keep on bringing up this whole notion of “135 votes present”. Out of over 4000 votes, that’s about 0.25%. Why is this statistically insignificant number drawing this much attention. Context folks…context.
davidc
And what about Hillary’s connection to Norman Hsiu who is now doing jail time? Forgot about that, did ya?
Jack,
I would check the meaning of “COO” … Chief Operating Officer; implying someone that is hands-on. He did not say CEO! I would take a well run company any day over the way we have run this country in the past few year. The difference between George Bush and Obama is that George relies on his cabinet because he is not smart enough to know wrong from right, but Obama, being the intellectual that he is does. Brains matter and Obama has it.
Barack Hussein Obama gets a pass because NO ONE wants to be construed or labeled as a “RACIST”. I agree, the Clintons and their operatives are disgusting - however - the politically correct mainstream press, refrains from asking Obama any tough questions that might cause controversy, embarrassment or attention to his past record or personal history.
If John Edwards, Mitt Romney belonged to a church (for 20 years) whose senior pastor (Rev. Wright) made outrageous racial statements about Blacks… the press would have already destroyed them.
If John Edward, John McCain or Mitt Romney admitted to using cocaine, the press would be looking under every rock to find out who sold them the cocaine as well as who the hung out with while smoking or snorting it. (don’t think so - Remember Bush’s dental record incident?)
The mainstream media never press Obama on his attitude and voting record on the Patriot Act.
The mainstream media never press Obama on raising taxes.
The mainstream media never press Obama on immigration.
The mainstream media never press Obama on his relationship with Raila Odinga (a communist using murder and violence to overthrow Kenya). URL: http://www.nysun.com/article/69273
On and on and on…
Other than soap opera nonsense, the mainstream press never ask “the real tough questions about issues” of any democrat.
Lets see free ride Hmmm…..Clinton impeachment ,Clinton Rape,Clinton I Whatnever slept with that women, White water on and on….The Clintons should be in jail not running for president so people get real next to there lies and and devious ways your right they are not getting enough negative attention…I am not saying Obama is perfect but he does look like a Angel next to them…And for all of you that are still trying to say he is a muslam and fudgeing the truth Please do vote for Hillary you belong in her ring…
Fox would love nothing more than to have Hillary on the democratic ticket. THEY ARE FROTHING AT THE MOUTH WITH THE HATE THEY HAVE FOR HER!!
Let’s really mess with their heads and put Obama against their Republican statue of the day.
A COO reports to the real decision makers, and accepts the blame.
I want someone who makes the decisions AND accepts the blame, not someone who lets others come up with the ideas.
Obama’s an intellectual? Sure, and Bill Clinton’s never had an affair. An intellectual can come up with his own ideas, not run to someone else and take theirs. Obama’s only unique idea so far was to whine whenever someone attacks him.
I will never vote for a black president!!!! He always sounds like he is giving a church sermon…PLEASE!!!!
someone mentioned Obama’s “lack of plans”? Like does he plan to invade any other countries? Or does he plan on ruining the surplus we once had?
Hillary I can’t vote for. Sorry Hillary. If you are nominated I am voting republican for the first time in my life. Obama is my guy!
Jack, why do you think companies like Google are so successful, they bring in a smart and inspiring leaders and they hire people smart enough to know good ideas come from all sorts and the create the environment for success. Leaders don’t create success; they motivate, inspire, set bold aggressive target, and put their teams in a position to win. To do this, one needs vision and intellect. We can all learn from great leader … those who have run great companies.
Actually, Stan, I stand corrected. Obama’s quote was this:
“But I’m not an operating officer. Some in this debate around experience seem to think the job of the president is to go in and run some bureaucracy. Well, that’s not my job. My job is to set a vision of ‘here’s where the bureaucracy needs to go.’”
So that would mean he wants to be the CEO, not the COO. He doesn’t even want to be hands-on. He wants to just say “I have an idea, make it reality” and let everyone else do the work.
Time to spin a CEO into being a good thing.
I have a question that should be ask to Obama.
Are our first grade students going to be our seniors next year?
Because sir you are in the primary class of how this country is run.
Charisma and character is not what makes this country run.
If you disagree that’s fine. You just need to remember Adolph Hitler
in 1936. He had Charisma and he became very angry when an American
athlete refused to dip the flag in recognition of him. When Jesse Owens was ask,
why he did not salute Hitler, his response was we dip our flag to no one.
Hitler had character he had half of the world fighting to survive.
Would you call him an excellent leader?
Thank you
Bill Clinton is getting unhinged because Obama is the sudden stubborn roadblock that’s threatening
to derail his (yes his) return to the presidency. Their problem is that reasonably observant people can see the slimy, underhanded, dirty ‘behind the back’ Clintonion politics in the clear light of day… and they still believe no one can.
Rich
Stan, they’re successful because they are run by multiple people who work together. They, however, are companies. The presidency is not a company, and George W. Bush’s failed presidency in which he swore to run the country like one is proof.
Clinton knows how she wants to run the country along with our lawmakers.
Obama wants to figure it out when he gets there.
How does anything printed about this guy over the last couple weeks suggests a “free ride?”
Please. Ask yourself what is NOT being asked of Hillary right now. How about any questions of the millions she got from drug companies over her career? How about her long history of campaign donation scandals (things that make some slum lord’s money see positively innocent!) The truth is, the media is just lazy. The only questions they ask of candidates are ones already twisted and promoted by the candidate’s rivals. And the Clintons are yelling these things, giving out talking points to reporters by the truckload. Thus, reporters never have real questions of substance or importance. All they ever ask is a variation on, “You rival thinks this about you! What do you think of that?!” It is so pointless. Read the candidates views, watch their speeches online, and make up your mind based on THAT.
Jack C wrote
Obama’s an intellectual? Sure, and Bill Clinton’s never had an affair. An intellectual can come up with his own ideas, not run to someone else and take theirs. Obama’s only unique idea so far was to whine whenever someone attacks him.
————————————————————————–
Yeah, Jack, I think being editor of the Harvard Law Review and being a professor of constitutional law qualifies him as an intellectual I think an intelligent president surrounds himself with people of diverse ideas, hears them and then makes decisions. That’s what Barack Obama said he would do — very much unlike George Bush. Look where that got us!
Zach, that is your right. Now you can put your sheets away and talk about what is best for the future of this country.
“Obama doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of actually delivering the Presidency to Democrats this time around.”
Substitute “Clinton” for “Obama” and you’d be 100% correct. Clinton supporters, have you noticed that half the country regularly says they won’t vote for her under any circumstances? That people not only lack confidence in her, but actively despise her? That she will incite Repblicans to unite and come out in droves to vote against her? That a significant number of independents and Democrats who have supported other Democratic candidates in the primaries say they will vote for McCain rather than Clinton? That Clinton is under serious consideration as a nominee only because she happens to be married to a former President? That her election will guarantee a return to the nasty, divisive politics and “win at all costs” attitudes that have infected this country since 1992? And, most of all, that nominating her will make sure the Dems go down to defeat once again in November?
I just love Democrats who are more interested in paying homage to Bill Clinton than in winning the presidency this year.
Yet despite this supposed intellect, he’s still heading the same way as Bush but without the social conservativism. He’s using the exact same lines Bush once used. He’s even tried a variation of the uniter not divider line.
So intelligent that his ideas are “adapted”, right?
So you admit Bush’s failures got us to a bad place, but Obama’s clear reuse of Bush’s lines won’t? Be careful, if you spin things too quickly they could fracture and break apart.
Clinton wins, im voting the other side.
How come know one brings up whitewater?
Didnt Clinton vote for the same Iraq spending bill?
Didnt Bill C, disgrace the white house and being a president in general with all the fun he had?
She win, world will be in a free fall.
Dem maybe a Rep.